LODI — Kent Andersen of the Lodi Rescue Mission got tired of seeing charity dollars run overseas. So this Christmas he is asking people to sponsor the homeless men who frequent his mission.

“Bob, Dave and Al are right here, and they need help, too,” Andersen says.

Part holiday gimmick, part jab at Christian priorities, Andersen’s sponsorships landed him on local television — and already increased giving to his mission by 36%. Young people in particular like the idea of supporting a local homeless person.

After speaking at a church Andersen offered sponsor packets for men named Guy, Ralph and Bert. Each bore a photo of a homeless man.